Union man arrested after high-speed chase with police

ST. JAMES – A high-speed chase on Saturday afternoon resulted in the arrest of a state parole absconder.

Chad William Major, 35 of Union, is charged with resisting arrest by fleeing, possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, felony Driving while revoked and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

According to a press release from the St. James Police Department, Major was sitting in a parked car at the St. James City Park about 5 p.m. when “officers [noticed] the driver acting in a manner that was consistent with a person who was under the influence of narcotics or alcohol.”

When Major left the park, officers followed and attempted a traffic stop near the intersection James Lane and Jefferson Street.

Major allegedly failed to stop and began traveling south on Jefferson “at a high rate of speed,” the release said.

The pursuit continued until the suspect vehicle turned onto County Road 3500. The car stopped when it reached the end of the road. Major then surrendered to officers without further incident.

“I think he was just driving to get away and just happened to hit that road,” said St. James Police Chief Ron Jones. “I don’t think he knew where he was, and when he hit the dead end he just gave up.”

While searching the vehicle, officers found methamphetamine, a hypodermic needle and empty containers of alcohol.

“I think it was really good police work,” Jones said. “We worked well with [the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department] to get a dangerous person off the streets.

“Thankfully we got him off the street before something else could have happened – especially with him being in the park.”

Jones said Major had five outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest, including one for distributing/manufacturing a controlled substance. He was also wanted for parole violation.

Jones said the pursuit involved one St. James police officer and one deputy from Phelps County. Once the chase ended, another St. James officer arrived on the scene.